from ABM NEWS and VIEWS Vol.6, No. 3, 2000
Annual Meeting Abstracts September 11-13, 2000

EFFECT OF FENUGREEK ON BREAST MILK VOLUME
Stephanie Swafford, MD and Pamela Berns, MD
University of Texas-Houston Medical Center, Houston, TX

Background: Fenugreek is a popular herb used in the lay population as a
galactogogue though scientific research regarding efficacy has not been
published.  Objective: To assess the effect of fenugreek on breast milk
production in exclusively breast-pumping women.  Methods: Ten women kept
diaries of their breast milk production for two weeks.  The first week
established baseline milk production.  During the second week three capsules
of fenugreek seed were taken three times daily.  This observational study
used each patient as her own control in comparing breast milk production with
and without the fenugreek.  Results: Average daily pump volumes for week 1
and week 2 were compared. These values were statistically analyzed using the
Wilcoxon signed rank test.  The average daily milk volume for week 1 was 207
ml compared to 464 for week 2.  This increase was statistically significant
(P=0.004) Conclusion: The use of fenugreek significantly increased volume of
breastmilk produced.  Further study of the herb and its effects on the
lactating breast is certainly warranted.  The use of fenugreek to improve
lactation could offer help to women with insufficient supply.

Warm regards,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC - Lactation Services
Pediatrics Plus Staff LC & Private Practice
Orlando, FL

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